Armed police review victory for local communities

Scottish Liberal Democrats have today applauded a decision by HM Inspectorate for Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) and the Scottish Police Authority to undertake a review and inquiry into Police Scotland’s policy on armed policing.

After weeks of calling for a full and formal review into armed police attending routine duties whilst carrying guns overtly, Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Alison McInnes said the decision was a victory for local communities.

The SPA inquiry and the HMICS assurance review will both report to the SPA at a public meeting on the 17th December.

Ms McInnes said:

“This is a victory for local communities. After months of pressure from Scottish Liberal Democrats up and down the country, the public and campaign groups, the SPA and HMICS have belatedly recognised that this fundamental change must be formally and thoroughly scrutinised. We need to know if the Scotland-wide policy on armed policing is proportionate to the risks in individual communities in Scotland.

“After months of dismissing our concerns, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill must now change his tune and publicly back this review.”

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